Free Agent: Josh Childress

[FromWayDowntown]

http://www.inqmnd.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/p1_childress_getty.jpg

Josh Childress | SF
Born: June 20, 1983
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
College: Stanford
Years Pro: 5
Current Club: Olympiacos Piraeus
Contract Status: 2 years remaining, player option for next season

[TheProfessor]

Atlanta still owns his rights, correct?

[FromWayDowntown]

Atlanta still owns his rights, correct?

That I don't know.

I do recall reports, however, that the Spurs have had interest before.

[tav1]

Yes, they own his rights. Could trade him. He has an out clause after every season. Also, he's paid in US dollars....

There is no way he ever plays in Atlanta again. Too much bad blood. They might off load him for something useful. I think he'd be an ideal fit.

[EricB]

Did something happen with Olympiacos?

[mattyc]

Impressive hair.

[velik_m]

Did something happen with Olympiacos?

No. They play in final four this weekend. I doubt he comes back to USA this summer.

[exstatic]

Did something happen with Olympiacos?

I think he has a opt-out clause every summer.

[tp2021]

I'm pretty sure the Hawks don't have his rights. Wasn't he a FA when he signed overseas?

[exstatic]

I'm pretty sure the Hawks don't have his rights. Wasn't he a FA when he signed overseas?

Restricted FA. They retain matching rights. Every FA list I've seen for this summer has him listed as an RFA for the Hawks.

[tp2021]

^ Ah, that makes sense.

[TheSpursFNRule]

That I don't know.

I do recall reports, however, that the Spurs have had interest before.

Where did you hear they had interest? He is seriously a fucking perfect fit for this team.

[tp2021]

Restricted FA. They retain matching rights. Every FA list I've seen for this summer has him listed as an RFA for the Hawks.

That being the case, do you think that they will be less inclined to match an offer, since they know they are competitive without him (and his salary)?

[TheSpursFNRule]

Man if we got this guy i'd start going to church again.

[Appoggiatura]

Where did you hear they had interest? He is seriously a fucking perfect fit for this team.

FWIW, a friend of mine covered the Vegas Summer League last year. Childress was seen more than once talking for a while with Pop. He said they seem to have had really good chemistry, similar to how he is with his players. It was enough that he got a hold of me to tell me. He thought it could be telling. Of course, he went overseas, but I've always thought that perhaps it could be the seeds of something we'll see later. Would be a huge signing for us.

[duncan228]

Childress says his future not based on fan riots (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-greekfinals-childress&prov=ap&type=lgns)
By Brett Martel

Former Atlanta Hawks swingman Josh Childress asserted on Friday that violence he witnessed in the stands while playing in Greece’s top professional league won’t influence his decision on whether to stay in Europe for another season.

“The fans are obviously very passionate because we’re in the finals of the Greek championship,” Childress, in Athens, said by phone to The Associated Press. “Yes, there was unnecessary violence. It obviously doesn’t help the game. It doesn’t help the players, but that will not have an effect on my decision about where I play next year.”

On Thursday night, the opening game of the Greek finals was interrupted for nearly 20 minutes with 1:25 to play and Panathinaikos, the visiting team, leading 60-58.

Olympiakos fans threw a flare, plastic bottles and other items at Panathinaikos’ bench during a timeout, sending the players scampering for safety. A timekeeper was slightly injured and part of the bench and the surrounding court had burn marks.

Enraged fans tried to storm the court despite pleas for calm by Olympiakos players. Riot police moved in to contain the spectators.

Childress spoke out against fan violence after the contest, saying “The violence we saw today, will make me think real hard over my future in Europe.” On Friday, he amended those statements, saying he believed some of his comments were misinterpreted in a way that made it appear he wished to leave Greece after this season.

“I’m enjoying my time here. It’s been a great experience. It’s been a learning experience, and I think a lot of things will shake out in the next few weeks as we finish up the season here,” Childress said.

Last July, the Greek club Olympiakos signed Childress to a three-year contract that his agent, Jim Tanner, said was worth $20 million after taxes.

Childress has the option to opt out of the deal after each season. If he returned to the NBA, the Hawks, who lost to Cleveland in the second round of this season’s playoffs, would still have the rights to him as a restricted free agent.

Childress said he followed the Hawks this season, watching games when he could, and communicated with fans on the Internet.

“I’ve gotten some great fan support from the Atlanta fans, via the Web sites,” Childress said.

However, Childress said he has yet to get a sense from general manager Rick Sund about whether the Hawks intend to try to woo him back next season.

“I haven’t spoken to him at all, really. That’s something I’m sure he’ll get with my agent about in the next few weeks,” Childress said. “I don’t know what they’re thinking.”

[montgod]

My thing is that Atl just needs to unload him or make a decision on the rest of their team. Bibby, MWilliams (wouldn't be a bad option for the Spurs either), Pachulia, and others are FA this year I believe. Who are they going to pay to come back along with JJ and Smith's contract. Might get interesting.

[GioSugar]

Childress about all those articles

http://www.superbasket.gr/?c=136&a=113345

http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate...rUrl=Translate (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.superbasket.gr%2F%3Fc%3D136 %26a%3D113345&lp=el_en&btnTrUrl=Translate)

And on his twitter
http://twitter.com/JChillin
Not sure where this rumor and these quotes on si.com and espn.com came from. I never said any of that stuff!

[exstatic]

My thing is that Atl just needs to unload him or make a decision on the rest of their team. Bibby, MWilliams (wouldn't be a bad option for the Spurs either), Pachulia, and others are FA this year I believe. Who are they going to pay to come back along with JJ and Smith's contract. Might get interesting.

Why on earth would they "just unload him" when it costs them nothing to retain his rights? He's still an asset that could bring something in return.

[TDMVPDPOY]

maybe they could trade him to us for splitters rights or someshit, since they need a big down low.....

[mountainballer]

Bump!
just mentioned him in another thread and asked myself if there are any news or rumors about him out there? (I mean real news, not KBP news)
if the Bouroussis plan fails, offering Childress the MLE seems to be a nice plan B. I don't think the Hawks would match, they have other (more important) questions to solve first and their wing positions are covered pretty well.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Bump!
just mentioned him in another thread and asked myself if there are any news or rumors about him out there? (I mean real news, not KBP news)
if the Bouroussis plan fails, offering Childress the MLE seems to be a nice plan B. I don't think the Hawks would match, they have other (more important) questions to solve first and their wing positions are covered pretty well.

Are you kidding? The Hawks would match that in a heartbeat. It will take more than the MLE to get him back. He is making the equivalent of about 12 million a year depending on what state he is in. That would be a 50%paycut. I think Childress banks the cash for this contract and then tests the NBA again. He will still be plenty young to get a good long term contract.

[Mel_13]

Bump!
just mentioned him in another thread and asked myself if there are any news or rumors about him out there? (I mean real news, not KBP news)
if the Bouroussis plan fails, offering Childress the MLE seems to be a nice plan B. I don't think the Hawks would match, they have other (more important) questions to solve first and their wing positions are covered pretty well.

The bigger problem with getting Childress for the MLE is that it would represent a substantial pay cut from what he is guaranteed in Greece. But the Hawks do have problems. Zaza may be a good target if Bourousis or Gortat don't work out.

Some recent discussion of the overall situation the Hawks face this summer written by the beat writer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2009/06/10/dollars-and-sense/?cxntfid=blogs_hawks

[mountainballer]

Are you kidding? The Hawks would match that in a heartbeat. It will take more than the MLE to get him back. He is making the equivalent of about 12 million a year depending on what state he is in. That would be a 50%paycut.


The bigger problem with getting Childress for the MLE is that it would represent a substantial pay cut from what he is guaranteed in Greece.

sorry guys, but don't get blinded by all the magical number talks and all the highly exaggerated numbers mostly brought up by KBP.
yes, he makes money he likely won't get in the NBA right now, but I don't buy the "twice the money" stuff. even the alleged net numbers have never been announced officially and mostly came from the totally unreliable Greek medias.
IMO he is maybe making the equivalent of about 8-9 million a year, still more than the MLE, but not by that much.
however, it was for three years and so 1/3 of that has been payed. if he can get a full 5 years/ MLE contract in the NBA (about 32 million $), he will think twice not to take it. that's not only more guaranteed money right now, it might even be the better deal in the long run. he turns 26 this week, so he would be 31 when the deal expires. still young enough to get another 3 high payed years. if he comes back to the NBA at 28, he either might have lost some of his market value (depending on what happened in Europe) AND he might struggle to get a big extension when his next NBA contract is expired. it's much harder to get a big extension at 33 than at 31. I'm pretty sure he is smart enough to think about this.
btw. why he might want out anyway? because Olympiacos is a bad team for him. that's why. and I can't see him get much fun playing for them.

why the Hawks will think twice before they match? they would get back a player who wanted out badly AND who they wouldn't need as much as they needed help at other positions. they need to re sign (or replace) Bibby, Williams, Pachulia and will try to extend JJ's contract this summer. teams usually hesitate to guarantee another 32 millions in such a situation. they might seek a S$T though.

[tav1]

IMO if the Spurs target Childress it would be a sign and trade. Bowen and Thomas would be attractive, especially if Zaza has to walk. In terms of the MLE...I wonder if Atlanta would match an MLE offer for Marvin Williams?

[mountainballer]

In terms of the MLE...I wonder if Atlanta would match an MLE offer for Marvin Williams?

this one for sure. Williams did become a better player the last season, even if the numbers don't tell the whole story. he developed a pretty decent 3pt shot and his ball handling is also better. and don't forget, he will just turn 23 this month. still tons of upside left.

[Indazone]

Josh is a pipedream he ain't coming. http://www.xpatathens.com/news/19930

Childress hit the headlines in the summer of 2008 when he signed to play for Olympiakos. The 25-year-old became the highest paid sportsman in Greece when he agreed a deal worth 20 million euros over three years. Perhaps more telling was the fact that he walked away from the NBA, where he played for the Atlanta Hawks, while his career was still on the rise - unlike many NBA players who come to Europe on the downside of their career. His arrival in Greece has prompted numerous column inches on both sides of the Atlantic about the lure of European basketball as speculation has mounted that other NBA stars will be joining him this year. The former Stamford University graduate's impact on Olympiakos has been telling as the Reds have secured top spot in the regular season of the A1 league and have reached the Final Four of Euroleague where they face fierce rivals Panathinaikos in the semi-finals.

BS: So Josh, have you enjoyed your first season in Greek basketball?
JC: I have so far. I have definitely enjoyed it. It has been an eye-opening experience for me and a positive one. I have learned a lot. I have seen a lot. I have just been looking to take on new things and take on new experiences.

BS: You say you learnt a lot. You arrived from the NBA where you had a pretty successful career going. What have you actually learnt in Europe?
JC: I have learned about a lot of different cultures, not just on the court. On the court, I have learnt different tactics, techniques, a different way of thinking and off the court a lot of different cultures and just experiencing life in Europe. Living in the (United) States you are a little closed off. We don't get to hear so much about Europe so it has been good.

BS: There are some important differences between NBA and playing in Europe. What are the major aspects that you have had to come to terms with?
JC: The biggest difference is the style of play and the tempo. The style is more controlled and conservative here in Europe, the tempo is slower. But it is still basketball and that's universal. When you are on the court you have to go out and perform and that's the bottom line.

BS: Perform is an interesting word when it comes to basketball because a lot of NBA, the way the players play, the razzmatazz around the edges, makes it look more like showbiz. The players look like they are having a lot of fun. Is that the same in Europe?
JC: There is definitely a difference. Here, I think, they take every game very seriously from the last placed team to the first placed team and the attitude carries over to practice, to stretching to the weight room, everything. Whereas in the States, it is a little bit more relaxed. I am not sayinthg that's bad or good, it is just a different mindset.

BS: Do you miss the NBA?
JC: I miss my teammates. I miss being in familiar places but at the same time I have gained new teammates and new experiences so it's an even trade off.

BS: Do you find yourself staying up late to watch the NBA on cable?
JC: No [laughs], I try to get my sleep. I try following them on-line, keep up with what's going on.

BS: Many people have made a lot of your decision to come here at the age of 25, still approaching the peak of your career. Many have written about the money. Was that the deciding factor in coming to Olympiakos?
JC: No. Whether I stayed there or came here, I was going to earn a good living so it wasn't the money. It was the experience and the ability to get out and expand horizons and my game. It was the chance to become a better player and a more rounded person.

BS: Did you get a lot of curious calls from your former teammates?
JC: Of course. But all the curiosity has gone now. I am sure it is going to open up again this summer for many players in the US because they are probably going to get some offers - so I would expect to get a lot of calls this summer from players wanting to know more about it. Initially, it was a case of how is it, how's the game, how are your teammates, what's the travel like, the lodging, everything. Now it is more about me. You know, how am I doing, how am I adjusting, am I enjoying myself, am I lonely, mad, angry. They just want to know if I am okay and I am the same with them.

BS: It has been a successful season. Top of the A1 league and a final four meeting with Panthinaikos. A pretty good first season...
JC: Yes. I think we are playing good basketball but I also think we can play better. There is plenty of room for improvement. We really haven't had a team at full strength much this season.

BS: You were out with a groin injury for a while weren't you?
JC: I had a groin injury, but it wasn't just me. We have had nagging injuries throughout. At full strength we are very tough to beat. I am looking forward to these next few weeks, everyone back fit, find a rhythm, be ready for the final four and the play-offs for the A1.

BS: You meet Panathianikos in the semi-final in Berlin. They have had the edge over Olympiakos the last decade and beat you in the Greek Cup final in February. But do you see this as the year when you break that spell?
JC: I think so. In the past I think it has been more mental than physical. In films that I have seen, it looks as though the team just didn't believe that it could win. I think now that has changed. We beat them here (at the Peace and Friendship stadium) and I know we lost in the Cup but I don't think there is that fear of them. We are a better team than they are so it is now just a matter of us going out and proving it.

BS: Now if you do get past Panathinaikos, you then have to beat either CSKA Moscow or Barcelona...you are really going to have to work for this title, aren't you...
JC: Oh yeah, it is definitely a tough final four. This year you really do have four of the very best teams in Europe there. It is going to be a very fun weekend but very challenging as well. But you know as a player that is what you want. You want to play the best and beat the best and be the best so we are looking forward to those games.

BS: I have to ask you about the fans. When you were in Atlanta and you were playing an NBA game, did you ever have riots stadium -or inside for that matter.
JC: (laughs) No. Never. I have never experienced that. Not with my college, high school, never. It is definitely different.

BS: We can laugh about it but it is quite a serious issue isn't it. Other players have highlighted the problem of player safety on the court especially when things kick off. Have you felt that nervousness?
JC: I certainly have. Actually when we were in the game against Real [Madrid] I was guarding a guy when all of a sudden I hear this loud boom so both of us jump. It was an M80 [firecracker] somebody threw which landed just, I don't know, 15 feet from us. You know, what do you do? I mean the referee stopped play but it's crazy, a crazy experience. I never knew how it would be until I was there first hand.

BS: So, although you like the support would you ask the Olympiakos supporters to be a bit more sensible in the way they show that support?
JC: I think they are right on the border. A little more would be too extreme and a little less they would lose their edge. So, maybe they could throw their M80 a bit closer to the stand and further away from the court [laughs]. But they have been great all season and I look forward to them rooting for us at the play-offs.

BS: Are you going to stay at Olympiakos for the remainder of the three-year contract?
JC: Yes. That's the plan. I want to honour my contract and if they want to sign me to an extension then I will do that too. I am enjoying my time. I would love to stay as long as they allow me to.

BS: Are you enjoying life off the court?
JC: Yes, I live down in Glyfada in a nice neighborhood and I can't complain. My teammates have tried to help me out as much as possible, making me feel comfortable.

BS: So the guys pitch up at your place and take you off to Delphi and Sounio for the day for a bit of archaeology?
JC: No (laughs) N, not quite. We don't have a lot of time for the tourist things. We just hang out. Go eat. Go bowling. Go to the movies. Just hanging out and being normal.

BS: So when you go out you are recognised by Olympiakos fans?
JC: Yes, they are very passionate about the team and they let me know that.

BS: So what do they say to you?
JC: It's kind of inevitable I guess but whenever I go out I get Olympiakos fans telling me to beat Panathinaikos, those are about the
only words I hear.

BS: Well, good luck in Berlin and for the rest of the season and thanks to talking to sportingreece.com
JC: Thank you.

[Mel_13]

sorry guys, but don't get blinded by all the magical number talks and all the highly exaggerated numbers mostly brought up by KBP.
yes, he makes money he likely won't get in the NBA right now, but I don't buy the "twice the money" stuff. even the alleged net numbers have never been announced officially and mostly came from the totally unreliable Greek medias.
IMO he is maybe making the equivalent of about 8-9 million a year, still more than the MLE, but not by that much.
however, it was for three years and so 1/3 of that has been payed. if he can get a full 5 years/ MLE contract in the NBA (about 32 million $), he will think twice not to take it. that's not only more guaranteed money right now, it might even be the better deal in the long run. he turns 26 this week, so he would be 31 when the deal expires. still young enough to get another 3 high payed years. if he comes back to the NBA at 28, he either might have lost some of his market value (depending on what happened in Europe) AND he might struggle to get a big extension when his next NBA contract is expired. it's much harder to get a big extension at 33 than at 31. I'm pretty sure he is smart enough to think about this.
btw. why he might want out anyway? because Olympiacos is a bad team for him. that's why. and I can't see him get much fun playing for them.

why the Hawks will think twice before they match? they would get back a player who wanted out badly AND who they wouldn't need as much as they needed help at other positions. they need to re sign (or replace) Bibby, Williams, Pachulia and will try to extend JJ's contract this summer. teams usually hesitate to guarantee another 32 millions in such a situation. they might seek a S$T though.

Off topic- it is insulting to imply that I have been blinded by the rantings of an idiot. I will assume you did not intend any insult and move on.

On topic- I said above that the full MLE would represent a significant pay cut for Childress. Your own estimate of his salary in Greece confirms this. The first year of the MLE will be around 5.5M. That is significantly less than 8-9M.

Going further, Childress could have taken an MLE offer last summer and refused. There's no reason to believe he has changed his mind about the type of contract he BELIEVES he is due in the NBA.

This summer there are only three or four teams with sufficient cap space to offer Childress more than the MLE. Next summer there may be a dozen or more. If he does not get an offer this summer in the range he wants, it is far more likely that he collects another 8-9M in Greece next year and then tries his luck in a summer where more teams can meet his price.

I think Childress for the MLE falls in the same category of pipedream as Ariza or Odom for the MLE this summer or Bosh for a max deal next summer. These are all possible under the CBA, but I would rate the chance of any one of them happening at very, very close to zero.

That all being said, we are both just trying to make a guess based on very little solid information. For now, I stand on my position that Childress will not leave Greece for the full MLE, it will take more. Only time will tell.

[mountainballer]

jesus, a interview with a Greek sports site from April, when the season wasn't even finished. what do you expect him to answer them?

[mountainballer]

Off topic- it is insulting to imply that I have been blinded by the rantings of an idiot. I will assume you did not intend any insult and move on.


cool down my friend. I wouldn't do this to anyone.
(but a million of retarded posts from him did cause some confusion about what numbers are accurate)



This summer there are only three or four teams with sufficient cap space to offer Childress more than the MLE. Next summer there may be a dozen or more. If he does not get an offer this summer in the range he wants, it is far more likely that he collects another 8-9M in Greece next year and then tries his luck in a summer where more teams can meet his price.


agree, this might be the best point why he might stay there for another year.

but again, I just asked, if going for him might be a good idea, if the Bouroussis plan fails. Spurs can't offer more than MLE anyhow. no reason to not make the call.

[Mel_13]

cool down my friend. I wouldn't do this to anyone.
(but a million of retarded posts from him did cause some confusion about what numbers are accurate)

As I said, I assumed there was no intent on your part, just making you aware of the implication of the words you chose. I'm not mad or hot. And btw, I do appreciate the insight that you and other European posters bring to this board.

[Mel_13]

I just asked, if going for him might be a good idea, if the Bouroussis plan fails. Spurs can't offer more than MLE anyhow. no reason to not make the call.

Certainly no reason that would make any sense to you or me. But there have been plenty of stories of FAs who based part of their decision on who showed up at midnight of the first day of the moratorium and showed the love or respect that closed the deal.

If the Spurs are to make an offer for all or most of the MLE, I expect that they will target a player that both fills a specific need and is likely to sign with someone for that price.

Chasing a longshot could result in missing out on a viable target.

[Sdayi135]

certainly no reason that would make any sense to you or me. But there have been plenty of stories of fas who based part of their decision on who showed up at midnight of the first day of the moratorium and showed the love or respect that closed the deal.

If the spurs are to make an offer for all or most of the mle, i expect that they will target a player that both fills a specific need and is likely to sign with someone for that price.

Chasing a longshot could result in missing out on a viable target.

+1

[tav1]

this one for sure. Williams did become a better player the last season, even if the numbers don't tell the whole story. he developed a pretty decent 3pt shot and his ball handling is also better. and don't forget, he will just turn 23 this month. still tons of upside left.

yeah, I think they're both good players

williams for the mle would be a steal

childress for bowen and thomas is a tough call...but I'd probably do it provided the Spurs have another big lined up

for the life of me, I can't understand why San Antonio wouldn't be interested in the Pistons reported offer of Amir Johnson and the 15 for cap relief...

[Mel_13]

yeah, I think they're both good players

williams for the mle would be a steal

childress for bowen and thomas is a tough call...but I'd probably do it provided the Spurs have another big lined up

for the life of me, I can't understand why San Antonio wouldn't be interested in the Pistons reported offer of Amir Johnson and the 15 for cap relief...

All the reports I've read on this suggest that Detroit is looking for a team to fully absorb (via cap space, trade exception, or fully unguaranteed contract) Johnson's contract. An Oberto for Johnson deal would only cut about half of his salary off the books.

[timvp]

Childress signed a lucrative three-year, $20 million contract with Olympiacos, the largest pact ever bestowed on an Euroleague player.

Childress' contract included a clause that allows him to opt-out after every season.

"He is exploring whatever opportunities that are available to him in the NBA,'' Tanner said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "We've received a number of calls about him from NBA teams.''

http://my.journaltimes.com/post/woelfel-world-of-sports/bucks_will_get_up_close_look_at_free_agent.html


Hmmm.

Spurs wanted him in the past. Could he play PF next to Jefferson?

My initial reaction is no due to lack of rebounding but otherwise that'd really give the team a lot of athleticism and speed.

[ace3g]

Childress In Milwaukee To Meet With Bucks

Jim Tanner, the agent for Josh Childress, said he and his client will arrive in Milwaukee on Thursday to meet with Bucks officials. After trading veteran Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs last week, the Bucks are in the market for a veteran small forward.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60274/20090702/childress_in_milwaukee_to_meet_with_bucks/

http://my.journaltimes.com/post/woelfel-world-of-sports/bucks_will_get_up_close_look_at_free_agent.html

[in2deep]

no way I see him playing PF. Too small and weak. We need a couple of BIGs

[Marcus Bryant]

Hmmm.

Spurs wanted him in the past. Could he play PF next to Jefferson?

My initial reaction is no due to lack of rebounding but otherwise that'd really give the team a lot of athleticism and speed.

Spurs could use the MLE on a big 3 like Childress and then use the LLE and a trade to address the bigman rotation. That might put a little more pressure on Mahinmi, Blair, and Gist.

[Marcus Bryant]

Hill
Childress
Gist
Blair
Mahinmi

That would certainly give you a young, long, & athletic supporting cast to surround the big 4.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Spurs could use the MLE on a big 3 like Childress and then use the LLE and a trade to address the bigman rotation. That might put a little more pressure on Mahinmi, Blair, and Gist.

i rather sit and wait to see what our young wing players can bring to the table b4 investing in another wing player....

[Marcus Bryant]

i rather sit and wait to see what our young wing players can bring to the table b4 investing in another wing player....

How many 6'10" wing players do the Spurs have who have proven they can play in the NBA?

[DPG21920]

Would you rather have Moon? He would more likely be cheaper and he is defensive minded?

[timvp]

Spurs could use the MLE on a big 3 like Childress and then use the LLE and a trade to address the bigman rotation. That might put a little more pressure on Mahinmi, Blair, and Gist.

Childress for the MLE, Rasho for the LLE and trading for Collison or Foster would be a pretty damn good pull this summer.

[timvp]

Would you rather have Moon? He would more likely be cheaper and he is defensive minded?

Defensively, Childress >>> Moon.

[Marcus Bryant]

Childress for the MLE, Rasho for the LLE and trading for Collison or Foster would be a pretty damn good pull this summer.

Then next year, Foster, Splitter, or Blair starts and you can move Rasoslav again.

Starters
1 Parker
2 Ginobili
3 Jefferson
4 Duncan
5 Foster

Bench
1 Hill
2 Mason
2/3 Bowen
2/3/4 Childress
3/4 Gist
4 Blair
4/5 Mahinmi

IR
1/2 McClinton
2/3 Williams or Hairston
4/5 Oberto or project

Of course, you might not have to sign Nesterovic or another vet big for the bench (other than potentially Oberto to sit behind the bench). I think it would depend in part on Blair, Gist, and Mahinmi's performance in summer league play. A small gamble, but if this works, it could work in a big way.

[Red Hawk #21]

Childress is a beast, I love the dude and I always hope he will come back home to ATL but I doubt he will. He has nice handle, he's athletic, he can defend multiple positions. His flaw is that he can't shoot.

[DPG21920]

Childress for the MLE, Rasho for the LLE and trading for Collison or Foster would be a pretty damn good pull this summer.

Do you think that would be enough to have a legit shot at winning this year?

[El Jefe]

I would love to have Rasho back as a cheap insurance policy on the bench, but I though it was pretty much a lock that he was going back to Toronto.

[Mr. Body]

I've liked Childress for a long while, and a MLE for him would be great. A risk for next year - but it won't be an issue. It seems he will be staying in Yurp.

[timvp]

Do you think that would be enough to have a legit shot at winning this year?

Yeah, why not? Sheed and McDyess are good but Collison + Rasho is right there. The addition of Childress probably makes it a wash.

[DPG21920]

Yeah, why not? Sheed and McDyess are good but Collison + Rasho is right there. The addition of Childress probably makes it a wash.

Cool. Maybe it is good enough, who knows. But it would be nice to have Sheed + Rasho then trade for someone to fill other needs.

[urunobili]

Collison > Foster...

[timvp]

Childress was in Atlanta last Sunday to meet with the Hawks’ brass and made clear that he would do his due diligence in evaluating his NBA options before deciding whether to return to Greece or not. It’s smart business yet again on the part of Childress, who had drawn interest from a number of other teams (Lakers, Clippers, Cavaliers and Spurs are included in that list, according to my league spies) curious to explore the potential of him making an return to the league now as opposed to at the end of his contract with Olympiakos.

http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2009/07/02/childress-in-play/?cxntfid=blogs_hawks


With as much as the Spurs have wanted him in the past, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he becomes an option if Sheed and Dice are off the board. Not sure how they would get the size but perhaps the Spurs go the best player available route and then try to trade for the size.

[tav1]

With as much as the Spurs have wanted him in the past, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he becomes an option if Sheed and Dice are off the board. Not sure how they would get the size but perhaps the Spurs go the best player available route and then try to trade for the size.

I'm a fan of Childress, and like him in a Spurs uniform. But now with Jefferson on board, I'm not sure how he fits. If that happens, I think you have to package Mason Jr. and Finley for a big. Start Childress at 2, let him slide to 3 when Jefferson is out of the game. Something like that. Childress would actually be perfect with the current line up because he's such a glue guy. He doesn't excel at any one thing, but he does everything very well. He'd fill the cracks.

[Spurs Brazil]

Childress bypasses Hawks again

Comment Email Print Share ESPN.com news services

Josh Childress tested the NBA waters again, gauging the possibility of returning to the United States to play basketball.

He decided to go back to Greece, instead.

Childress, a 6-8 swingman who played for four years with the Atlanta Hawks before taking the unusual step of jumping to play in Greece's top pro league last season, had his agent nose around to see what interest there was domestically, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The rights to Josh Childress, a restricted free agent, still belong to the Atlanta Hawks.
But despite inquiries from Milwaukee and Charlotte -- Childress even visited the Bucks -- nothing panned out, the newspaper reported.

"At the end of the day it's a business," Childress told the Journal-Constitution. "I was in basically the same situation last summer. Again, it's a business and you have to treat it as such."



Childress, 26, was a restricted free agent when he left for a three-year, $20 million deal with Olympiakos last summer. There is an opt-out clause for each season, and his representatives were in talks with the Hawks -- who still own Childress' NBA rights -- about working out a sign-and-trade deal, according to the report.



"When I left Greece to come back [here to the U.S.], I had it in my head that was going back to Greece no matter what," Childress told the Journal-Constitution. "Then when I got home and had my feet on the ground for a couple of days, I really wanted to explore my options and see what was out there. It was 50-50 from there."



Childress, facing a Wednesday deadline to let Olympiakos know of next season's plans, knew the Greek team wanted him back, especially after he helped it get to the Euroleague final four and a berth in the Greek league championship series. In addition, he missed some of the season because of a hernia.



Childress averaged 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 steals last season.



"My team did well, but there's no question, I didn't have the year I wanted to have," Childress said, according to the Journal-Constitution. "And with that being said, I have some serious work left to do in Athens. That was part of my decision to go back, as well."



"They let me know as soon as the season was over that they wanted me back. With me not having the best year I could have, it says a lot about the commitment they made to me that they didn't hesitate to let me know that. It shows me they have a lot of respect for their players."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4326340

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

http://www.eurobasket.com/Greece/basketball.asp?NewsID=165233

"My team did well, but theres no question, I didnt have the year I wanted to have, Josh Childress said. And with that being said, I have some serious work left to do in Athens. That was part of my decision to go back, as well. It helped, he said, that Olympiakos made it clear that they wanted him back for another year.

They let me know as soon as the season was over that they waned me back, he said. With me not having the best year I could have, it says a lot about the commitment they made to me that they didn't hesitate to let me know that. It shows me they have a lot of respect for their players."


But, but, but "Childress absolutely DOMINATED all those scrubs in Greece".

:blah:rollin:lmao:rolleyes:downspin:

[Pucho!!!]

http://www.eurobasket.com/Greece/basketball.asp?NewsID=165233

"My team did well, but theres no question, I didnt have the year I wanted to have, Josh Childress said. And with that being said, I have some serious work left to do in Athens. That was part of my decision to go back, as well. It helped, he said, that Olympiakos made it clear that they wanted him back for another year.

They let me know as soon as the season was over that they waned me back, he said. With me not having the best year I could have, it says a lot about the commitment they made to me that they didn't hesitate to let me know that. It shows me they have a lot of respect for their players."


But, but, but "Childress absolutely DOMINATED all those scrubs in Greece".

:blah:rollin:lmao:rolleyes:downspin:

Or maybe the Hawks didn't want to trade his rights to anyone and he figured that he could just go back to Olymipacos instead of being buried on the Hawks bench. Doesn't hurt him to refine his game b4 he goes up against the best in the world :toast

[Mr. Body]

He sounds like a guy who likes living abroad. Not everybody is that way - Marcus Haislip, for one, sounded like a guy who hated it and wanted to come home in a desperate way.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

He sounds like a guy who likes living abroad. Not everybody is that way - Marcus Haislip, for one, sounded like a guy who hated it and wanted to come home in a desperate way.

Childress makes like 5 times what Haislip made.